Windows 10 Activation Problem.

[EnvyDaniel]

Okay so when I got my first PC Windows 10 was free when you upgraded from windows 7.
I took the harddrive form that PC and put it into my new one. And now it says I need to reactivate the product key, but I never got a product key to begin with.
So my question is, what do I do? Do I have to buy a copy of windows 10?
Or is there a way they can just track that I was given a upgrade and did not recieve a key.

 

[DigitalHamster]

I'm sorry but I have to tell you that when you install windows, it 'binds' to your computer so it will only properly work on that one.
Basically this means that you can't change computers and keep the same hard drive, because the hardware is different.
The computer is different so you will need a new copy of windows.
You could try customer support and explain to them the issue, but I do not guarantee that they will agree.

 

[USAFRet]

I took the harddrive form that PC and put it into my new one. And now it says I need to reactivate the product key, but I never got a product key to begin with.

This is normal and expected.
You have what is known as a 'digital entitlement'. Same as everyone else.
The license details, along with info from the original system, are stored at the activation server farm at MS.
You now have a new system (motherboard). That activation server knows nothing about it.

What you should have done before the hardware change is read and do this:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html


After the fact, your only recourse is to call MS and talk to a human.

 

[burtman88]

Customer support is actually pretty helpful to be honest. I've done this so many times in the past when going from windows vista to windows 7. They did it for me 6 different times without an issue. They gave me activation codes each time. You can also go in setting go to buy windows 10, it will take you to website and click reactivate see if that works. Worked for me on one of my desktops last week

 

[DigitalHamster]

USAFRet and burtman88, thanks for giving more detailed answers!
I learnt something too 😀